Malaca±ang: The Palace has expressed its support for an investigation into the reported confrontation between personnel from the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Bulacan. This comes amid calls for accountability for those involved in the incident.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that both agencies are capable of conducting a fair and thorough investigation. The confrontation reportedly occurred while BOC personnel were in the process of destroying smuggled cigarettes confiscated in a recent operation.

Castro confirmed that the PNP has already initiated a preliminary investigation, and the HPG personnel allegedly involved have been relieved from their posts. "For now, the PNP has conducted an initial investigation and the HPG personnel allegedly involved have been relieved from their posts and the investigation is continuing," Castro announced during a press briefing. She emphasized that the relief of the personnel is a step towards ensuring the allegations are thoroughly examined.

Castro further assured that neither agency would tolerate undesirable personnel. "Neither agency will allow undesirable personnel to remain on their respective sides," she asserted.

The HPG has ordered the relief of 13 officers, including HPG-National Capital Region chief Col. Joey Tomas Caise and several other officers and patrolmen involved in the confrontation. They have been reassigned to the Personnel Division effective August 20 to facilitate an impartial investigation.

HPG director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and noted that the group is committed to determining the cause of the skirmish.